The Grand Palace (Thai:
พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings in
Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand
from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. After the death of King Ananda
Mahidol in the Baromphiman Palace, King Bhumibol moved the official royal
residence to Chitralada Palace. Construction of the palace complex began in
1782, during the reign of Rama I.

The palace complex sits on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The other
approaches to the palace are protected by a defensive wall of 1,900 metres in
length, which encloses an area of 218,400 square metres. Further out from the
wall is a canal, which was also created for defensive purposes, making the area
surrounding the palace an island, known as Rattana Kosin.